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Cited by 46Gambling Behavior and TreatmentsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesEating Disorders and Behaviors

Early maladaptive schemas and behavioural addictions: A systematic literature review

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Vieira, Claudio, Kuss, Daria J., Griffiths, Mark D.·2023·Clinical Psychology Review
DOI 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102340
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Abstract

As observed in other mental health difficulties, behavioural addiction is a complex construct with several potential predisposing factors, which include biological factors (e.g., genetic predispositions), psychological factors (e.g., personality traits), and social factors (e.g., family, and social history). One factor that may play a significant role in both developing and perpetuating behavioural addiction is the activation of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). The aim of the present review was to synthesize the evidence concerning the relationship between behavioural addiction and EMSs. A comprehensive literature search using keywords and subject headings was performed with three electronic databases, resulting in 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In relation to specific behavioural addiction, the 20 studies examined: binge-eating/food addiction (n = 6), sexual addiction/compulsive sexual behaviours (n = 3), multiple addictive behaviours (n = 2), internet addiction (n = 2), smartphone addiction (n = 2), social networking/Facebook addiction (n = 2), exercise dependence (n = 1), gambling (n = 1), and videogame addiction (n = 1). The patterns of association between EMS and behavioural addiction were examined in both clinical and non-clinical population. The 'Disconnection and Rejection' domain was the most strongly related schema domain across all addictive behaviours, followed by 'Impaired Limits'. The present review suggests a positive relationship between schema activation and several addictive behaviours, including addictions to gambling, gaming, social media use sex, exercise, and food. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed, but further research is needed to inform treatment plans and interventions for those who struggle with behavioural addictions.

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  • Because underlying schema structures are recognized as contributing to psychological suffering, many therapeutic approaches target them to foster long-term change.

    “Because these underlying structures are recognized as contributing to psychological suffering, many therapeutic approaches target them to foster long-term change [10-13].”

    From Schema-Informed Digital Mental Health Intervention for Maladaptive Cognitive-Emotional Patterns: Randomized Controlled Trial (2025) · cites this paper as [12]

    Section 1.1 (p. 2) links early maladaptive schemas to psychological distress, and Clinical Implications (p. 13) discusses addressing schemas through schema therapy. The paper does not establish that many therapeutic approaches target schemas or that doing so fosters long-term change. (LLM, conf=0.84)

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Basile, B., Tenore, K., Luppino, O. I., & Mancini, F. (2017). Schema therapy mode model applied to OCD. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 14 , 407 -414. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0272-7358(2300098-3/optje6jfQq3yc)
  2. Modesti, P. A., Reboldi, G., Cappuccio, F. P., Agyemang, C., Remuzzi, G., Rapi, S., … ESH Working Group on CV Risk in Low Resource Settings. (2016b). Panethnic differences in blood pressure in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 11 (1), Article e0147601. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0147601 · DOI · Paper page
  3. Young, J., & Brown, G. (2003). Young schema questionnaire . Sarasota, FL: Professional Resource Exchange. http://refhub.elsevier.com/S0272-7358(2300098-3/rf0405)

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Authors
Vieira, C., Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D.
Affiliations
Nottingham Trent University (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Clinical Psychology Review
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2023-11
Volume
105
Pages
102340
ISSN
0272-7358 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102340
OpenAlex
W4387007991
Cited by
45
References
75
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 1
FWCI
2.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Clinical Psychology Review (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Nottingham Trent University's Institutional Repository (Nottingham Trent Repository) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Keywords
early maladaptive schemas, behavioral addiction, schema therapy, disconnection and rejection, impaired limits, food addiction, binge eating, sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, gambling addiction, internet addiction, smartphone addiction, social media addiction, exercise addiction
MeSH terms
Humans, Behavior, Addictive

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